Family-focused hot pot feast

Warm up this winter at Kamitoku Japanese Hot Pot.

Kamitoku Japanese Hot Pot is carrying on a nearly 75-year family legacy that started in Tottoti, Japan: beef broth. To this day, the eatery continues its steadfast focus on family.

“My wife would cook hot pot using the leftover ramen broth. Sitting at the table laughing, smiling and talking with my family, I thought to myself, ‘I want to bring the same happiness I have at home with my family to all of yours,’” says owner Junichi Kamitoku.

The soul-warming broth is crafted by carefully steeping washugyu beef bone for an entire day. Several meat and vegetable sets are available to accompany the beef broth, which can be ordered as the original Beefy Marina or seven other flavors.

Gyu Shogun ($85)

Gyu Shogun ($85) is a mega-sized sharing set. Washugyu beef, vegetables and other traditional ingredients are all arranged into a photogenic tower. An iced matcha drink and sorbet from Henry’s Place sweeten the deal.

Designed for one person, the Kamitoku Set (price varies) offers generous portions of meat, vegetables, sides, a starch and seasonings. For the meat choice, Washugyu Brisket ($26 for the set), Washugyu Chuck Roll ($28), Washugyu Ribeye ($30) or Washugyu Sirloin ($35) are suggested.

Even with its expansion to Hawaii, the eatery’s focus has “always been locals and families,” says general manager and co-owner Yu Conceicao.

Children can enjoy a special Kids Set ($8), and adults are invited to unwind during the daily happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. with appetizers starting at $3 and Nigori Sake from $1.99.

Photos courtesy Kamitoku Japanese Hot Pot